Another installment, one more chapter to go. I think. Thanks for sticking around and for those who have been faithful in leaving their thoughts and reviews. I own nothing. Enjoy and lets begin…..

7

The bullet whizzed past Sarah as the helicopter tilted to its right. Sarah rushed forward as the pilot raised the gun, aiming it at Chuck. As Chuck's initial instinct was to duck. Therefore, Chuck was unaware of the eminent danger by not facing the man, so Sarah leaped forward and wrestled with the pilot and the gun. The gun went off again, the pilot hunched forward. Holding the gun, she caught her breath as Chuck slid back out of the seat. Reaching for his hand they wished to embrace but the slumped pilot lost his grip of the stick and the helicopter started to nosedive.

Sarah jumped into the second seat as Chuck dragged the pilot back. Chuck looked back at the pilot hoping that he could do something. But Sarah looked at him, they both knew that it was too late for him. Sarah grabbed the stick and was briefly able to level the helicopter but it didn't last long as the stick was harder to hold onto to. Chuck jumped onto the other seat and tried to piggyback off her controls, remembering the last time he had flown a helicopter. Sarah looked at the gauges, flipping the switches and tapping the dials. Nothing was working. The inside cockpit of the helicopter started to off gas when Chuck looked out his window to see that the helicopter was hit with the last bullet. Grabbing the headphones he mayday for help, repeating their coordinates over the headset. Response echoed over the headset but it hard to understand with the language barrier. Chuck flashed on basic Japanese, which helped give the nearest control tower some idea of where they were. The smoke increased and the gas gauge was falling quickly. Chuck looked outside his window only to see blue and it wasn't the right color of blue.

Sarah looked at Chuck and knew that their chances of landing this beast was going to be far and few from being successful. "It doesn't look good does it?" Trying not to throw up.

"Honestly no."

"So what."

"Well we aren't going to go down with the ship." Sarah slipped out of her seat.

"Chuck, just keep it steady, can you do that?"

Her tone showed confidence but Chuck still sensed that she wasn't sure if it would work. Chuck faced forward trying to level the helicopter and try to keep it above the water. Sarah tore open the storage doors looking for something that would help them now, but the items that she saw would only benefit them once they landed. Sarah turned as Chuck yelled back. "Sarah!"

Sarah turned back and saw the fuel tank flash empty. It would only be minutes, maybe less before the helicopter died in the air. "Chuck can you swing back and go low then allow it to hover?"

"Sarah we're not!"

"It's either this thing or us, and I like us."

Chuck took a deep breath and turned helicopter around, going low, so Sarah was able to open the doors. A burst of cold air pushed her back. Chuck jumped out of his seat but as he moved towards Sarah, the helicopter flew upwards then died. Sarah and Chuck both looked out and saw their chance of landing in the water at a decent height was now a bit higher than they anticipated. Chuck looked at Sarah, grabbed her, and turned his back to the sky. Holding her, they took one last look at each other as Chuck fell backwards. Not having to ever jump out of a helicopter, they failed to take into consideration of the helicopter sucking them back in as it started to free fall. Sarah held on as the air tried to suck her back. Chuck managed to hold on. Seeing that the water was coming closer than they were ready for, Chuck and Sarah held on a bit tighter as they hit the water very fast and very hard. Chuck leaned forward, which dislodged his hold on Sarah. Sarah's body jolted hitting Chuck hard in the chest and falling back. Chuck swam up to the surface, but couldn't see Sarah. The helicopter spiralled and landed in a ball of smoke. Chuck bobbled up again as the waves pushed him sideways, only then was he able to see Sarah a few feet away. Yelling at her, he heard nothing. Swimming as fast as he could, he grabbed her shirt then hooked his arm under her and one handed swam to shore.

Gaining his bearings, he half dragged half-walked Sarah further onto the shore. Checking for a pulse, he crouched down to try to wake her up. Her breath sounds were swallow but at least she was breathing. Laying her on her side just in case. He stood upwards and stared out to the vast sea of blue and the white sanded beach behind him. The helicopter was in a crumbled mess smoking off to his right. Chuck looked down, picked Sarah up, and carried her closer to the helicopter. At least if the weather changed they would have some form of shelter. Chuck grabbed what he could from storage and pulled out a fireproof blanket. Wrapping her up till he could get a fire going he tended to the pilot. Pulling the pilot out of the other side, he was almost relieved that he was dead before the crash. Grabbing something that he could dig a hole, he dragged the pilot up and around the clearing where they were. Digging a hole, he buried the pilot and covered him up. Heading back, he picked up a bit of driftwood and whatever he could find to start a fire.

The sun was setting and with the hell that they had just gone through, it gave him some sense of peace that they were still alive. Chuck got a fire going and set it up in a deep V so that each log once burned would fall to the bottom and ignite the next. At least he didn't have to worry about stoking the fire often, then sat down beside Sarah. He wiped his brow thinking that it was just sweat but when he brought his hand down, he saw that it was blood. His wound above his eyebrow from being hit by the car earlier this week must have reopened up. He grabbed the first aid kit and blindly retaped his injury. Sarah started to move slightly with her teeth chattering. Chuck stepped up and took off Sarah's wet clothes leaving her only in her sports bra and panties. Hanging them up on the smashed part of the tail of the helicopter, he took off his wet clothes as well and hung them up next to Sarah's. Checking the helicopter again just in case he missed something, he found another two blankets roll into a log tucked into the corner. Finding some bottled water and a few emergencies items he put them in the sand next to him and would look more at them in the morning. Sitting down in the sand adding a few more logs he called it a night. Laying on his side, he spooned into her bringing her closer and covering them up with the additional blankets.

The sun peaked over the palm trees and jungle like surroundings. The few bursts of sunlight that shone through the leaves and the sea breeze blew, woke Chuck up. Seeing that Sarah was still with him he kissed her then removed his arm from her hold. Covering her up, he found a spot for make shift toilet then returned to see in the daylight what they were up against.

The sun was already starting to warm the air as he tried the radio. Flipping a few switches, he got nothing but static. Checking the helicopter for a cell phone or walkie-talkie he managed to find the pilots phone that had been tossed during the altercation. Turning it on he managed to get a bar or two, dialing 0 he hoped that they would take the call seriously. He then looked to see the battery life, which showed less than 20%, was not promising.

Mid Morning

Chuck sat near the water's edge allowing the water to engulf his toes. Looking back frequently, Sarah still hadn't moved. Chuck looked out at the water and recalled when they first met, things didn't go so well back then either. He had to chuckle as this scene was almost déjà vu all over again. Talking to himself, he didn't expect to have someone answer. 'Can you feel something without touching it? I will continue to protect you.' Just then he heard Sarah's voice. "It's not your job to protect me!"

Chuck looked behind her as Sarah stormed off. Standing up he watched Sarah walk away. Wanting to go after her, he knew this time, she probably meant it, and frankly, he had enough.

Chuck kept to himself trying to keep himself busy the rest of the day. He noticed his shirt and the amount of blood on it, well not all of his, so he took his shirt off to get the blood out of it the best he could. Hanging it up to dry, he turned and decided to make the best of their situation so he made several trips to gather palm branches and with the helicopter as a starting point he made them a shelter. Keeping the fire going he put together a make shift hook and tackle and went to try and find something to eat. Walking back around the island, he found a few coconuts, some berries and other fruit that would keep them going and hopefully the fish. He managed to put together a small but decent meal.

Sarah spent the day casing the other side of the island to see if she could figure out where they were. Heading back, she went to check the radio, seeing that Chuck had already tried it by the looks of things. Feeling guilty with the way she spoke to Chuck. Her tone wasn't what she had anticipated to project but this whole mission, she was adamant that she didn't need help. She knew that Chuck understood that but Chuck was Chuck and no matter how many times she told him that, he'd always do what he had to – to protect her. That was one of the many things that drew her to him, that made her fall in love with him. Getting a whiff of something cooking, she walked around to the other side hoping to see Chuck cooking but, he was nowhere in sight. Seeing that he had already eaten, Sarah took what Chuck had left her and sat down by the fire. Finishing her meal, she walked to the water to rinse her hands only to see the man she loved yet she treated so badly try to get them off the island.

Chuck walked back with an arm full of wood and a few more coconuts, he tossed them near the fire. Sarah picked up one of the coconuts that rolled near her feet. Bending down and picking it up, she saw Chuck holding a knife, he found on the pilot. He turned the knife towards her. "If you want something to do?"

Sarah took the knife, walked over to the helicopter, and sat down popping a hole into the coconuts. After a few trips back and forth, Chuck and Sarah had each four coconuts between them to quench their thirst.

As the sounds of the waves, they enjoyed their company in solace.

Chuck moved closer to the fire, even though the temperature was still quite warm, once a while a cool breeze would cool things off too much. Sarah sat down beside him, throwing a visible a white flag at him. Chuck turned as Sarah held his face in her hands. Kissing him, he returned her kiss. "I…."

"You know let's just sit here….." Chuck didn't want to have that 'talk' and he was more than done with the 'I am able to take care of myself speech'. Sarah leaned against Chuck as they watched the sun set. Sarah looked around to see how quaint Chuck's shelter had made their surroundings bearable. Sarah poked at the fire as Chuck levelled the sand for a much better sleep than the night before. Sarah pushed herself back onto the blanket as Chuck pulled the other over their legs. Laying down, he hoped that Sarah would join him and before his thought had passed, Sarah snuggled in beside him. "Thanks for yesterday."

"It was the least I could do."

Crack of Dawn

Chuck couldn't sleep, nor could Sarah for most of the night, despite the better sleeping arrangements. Seeing that she finally had settled he didn't want to ruin both their chances of least one of them getting some rest. So, he grabbed something to eat which wasn't very much and the front panel of the helicopter that he had jimmied away at the day before and found a spot that he felt would give him the best results. Opening up the side panel of the controls, he found a small but useful row of magnets and sheeting that allowed him to create a temporary solar panel. It wouldn't hold much but it would at least give the cell phone some power to stay on periodically transmitting a GPS signal. He hoped that Casey would think of checking all the possibilities in order to find them.

Toyko – Naval Base

Casey spent the last two days making calls to the US in order to have Beckman obtain permission to have the Japanese Naval search and rescue go out and look for Sarah and Chuck. Being on foreign soil and not having permission to be there in a CIA/NSA capacity, Beckman had to play nice. I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine sort of thing. Cole tried to recover from another gun shot wound. He was beginning to think that he was doomed with this team, cause this was his third time he had been shot while working with them. Between Cole and Beckman they eventually got the permission they needed, but they needed to know where to look.

Casey walked into the Naval office and deliberated with the team. He informed them that they wanted everything and anything on the helicopter, mayday or even cell phone calls made in the last 72 hours. Casey told them he'd be back in a few as he needed to pry some information out of one particular person.

Casey donned in all black sat in his car listening and watching the pin on Ryker that Cole and Chuck were able to make possible. He was surprised that it was still active. Getting a strong signal, Casey looked up to find Ryker walking into a small drinking establishment. Waiting for Ryker to enter, he was surprised that he needed a drink so early but to each his own. Casey ran across the street then opened the door and looked around to see that it wasn't as sparsely inhabited as he thought it would be. Reaching for his gun, he prepared himself for some type of gun play. Eyeing Ryker in the far booth, he walked up and every person he walked past, felt that they needed to show Casey who was boss. By the time he reached the booth where Ryker had been sitting, he was gone. Running out back, he saw Ryker walking as fast as he could around the corner. Casey didn't care how he would stop him, just that he needed him alive. Therefore, Casey shot him in the leg. Just to slow him down of course. Ryker fell forward as he tried to get back up. Casey caught up to him. "So you thought that you would run. Big mistake."

Casey dragged Ryker in and out of his car and tossed him into an interrogation room. Ryker sat there with a smug look on his face. Casey let him sweat it out a bit while being some what kind by having his leg bandaged up. He hated to have to clean up the mess.

Tossing a black duffel bag on the table Ryker eyed the items that Casey was emptying from the bag. Several types of pliers, a hammer, duct tape, rope. Ryker never flinched. Casey took notice then took his thumb and pressed with all his strength into the wound on his arm. Ryker flinch this time, till his eyes started to water. Releasing just enough he lifted his leg and bent his knee putting his weight on his right leg over the gun shot wound on his upper thigh. The pain shot through Ryker like a hot blade in butter.

Without letting Ryker catch his breath Casey started to drill him. "Where was your helicopter going?"

Ryker leaned back. Casey asked again. Nothing. Casey walked over to his items and grabbed the hammer and the pliers. Tossing back and forth on the two items, Ryker watched, he didn't care for both but he also knew that if Casey wanted information he wouldn't go too far in case he lost his chance of getting what he wanted. Ryker knew that Casey was desperate and time was running out if by chance they survived the trip. Hours went by, crucial hours went by and still Ryker didn't budge. Casey left his mark by adding a few punches into the mix. Not every punch, proved anything but it made Casey feel better. Casey slammed the door shut and was adamant that he couldn't leave. Casey had to go with plan B whatever plan B was.

Casey sat down, covering his hand with ice. Grabbing the phone, he called state side.

"Morgan, Casey here."

"Hey John, what's up?" But Casey's response wasn't what Morgan wanted to hear.

"I'm going to take the next flight."

"No, I need you there, to be with Sarah's family. Who knows what Ryker will do? It's better that we have some control over this situation. I'm going to check out another lead, to find out where the helicopter was going."

"Hey did you check out that address?"

Then it dawned on him who he could get the whereabouts of the helicopters original destination.

"Will keep you posted."

"What do I tell Ellie and Lisa and ….."

"Tell them nothing to keep them safe, until I know for sure there's no point in saying things otherwise."

"Ok, John."

Casey drove to Zydeco Pharmaceuticals and his presence alerted the intimidated security guards. Showing who was boss, Casey found Ling Kwan hiding in his office. Grabbing the little man by his suit jacket, he made him sit down in his chair. Seeing that the security had doubled in size, he walked over to the door and pushed the filing cabinet in front of it. Turning back to Kwan, he didn't appreciate Kwan trying to escape. "Sit down!"

Kwan sat down. "You're going to tell me what I need to know. "First of all, where was Ryker's helicopter heading to?"

Kwan didn't want to answer.

"Ryker can't help you and I don't know why you ever wanted his help in the first place. And I figured that you told him that you had a meeting with the Doctors the other day, Ryker made you…."

"He forced me to make that call?"

"What else?"

"He told me that the La Flemme's died seven years ago and that the vial I needed was locked up."

"Do you know where?"

"No, but I do know where he likes to go to with his helicopter. Maybe he was heading there, it's very secluded?"

Casey pulled out a map that he had stuffed into his pocket and laid it across Kwan's desk. Kwan looked at the map and pointed the location but there wasn't any physical markings on the map.

"One more thing."

Shaking nervously. "Anything?"

"Why hasn't Ryker given you the vial again?"

"There's a locked scanner on the vial's case that needs a blood relative to open. Some DNA attribute that was added to the vial and the La Flemmes were supposed to give me the vial so that my wife and I could have more children. If it worked, we would then join forces to help other families who wanted to have that perfect child. But seven years ago my wife gave birth to twins which we were ecstatic, I called the La Flemmes' but we didn't hear from them. I was introduced to Ryker and when I told him that I had access to millions if he….."

"Got you the vial."

Kwan hung his head low. "Yes. But I didn't think he would kill them?"

"Well he did. And now both of you have nothing."

"Unless the La Flemmes' have a relative. They could then unlock the scanner and….."

Casey kept his thought to himself, Chuck was right. Molly was the key and a very rich young girl.

Casey turned to Kwan. "You're done with Ryker, you don't need him and maybe the higher powers out there might feel pity on you and maybe you and your wife might be able to have more children someday."

Kwan nodded and Casey was gone.

ISLAND

Chuck continued to do what he could to get them off the island. Taking the phone he attached it to the make shift solar panel, which he hoped had the opportunity to gain some charge. Chuck walked back to the radio trying to flip the switches but all he got was static.

Sarah got up from her spot that she had been sitting at for some time. Walking back through the warm sand towards Chuck. She looked up to see him. She so desperately wants to wrap her arms around him but knew if she did it will show that she was weak. Chuck was told to stay put but yet here they were. Stranded. But on the other hand, she could have gone down with the crash or had been taken somewhere else then what? Sarah rears off walking past Chuck towards the water. Dipping her toes into the warm water she breaths in the warm sea air and for that moment she's glad she's alive and that she's not alone. Turning parallel to beach and the water Sarah strolled down allowing the water to cascade off her feet then adventuring out a little further up to her knees. Chuck peaked around to find Sarah not near the helicopter, as his heart started to race in fear that he couldn't see her. He looked down the water's edge to see Sarah playing in the water. These moments added to why he loved her so much. That deep down there once was a girl who wasn't a spy. A girl that once played, laughed and never worried about anything? Was it her father that made her change? Was it Graham that promised her a better life? Or, was it Sarah herself who finally wanted to belong to something; to believe in something other than herself. To do good - protect those who needed protection. To Chuck she was that superhero. His superhero.

Sitting down he waited till she came into view. Making eye contact to show he cared. Never saying a thing. He sat sitting with his knees up near his chest, watched as Sarah stood in front of him. Falling to her knees, she faced him placing her hands on his knees and encasing his hand in hers. With his free hand, he moved the loose strands of hair back over her left ear. Leaning forward she kissed his hand then laid her head on his hands. Chuck lifted her face and brought her close. Their lips faintly touched as Sarah tried to pull back. But who was she kidding. Yes, she was mad at him and he knew that she was mad but it was just a kiss. It didn't mean that she forgave him. As the many thoughts went through her mind. Chuck whispered. "I know you're mad at me but I am still going to kiss you again?" Chuck sat up allowing his legs to slide through Sarah's forcing her to straddle his. Chuck leaned in and kissed her softly. Oh how she yearned for his touch. How he tasted, how he smelled. Chuck added to the kisses intensity as Sarah returned the invitation. They both knew where the kiss was leading to - grabbing Chucks hand, she got up and walked over to the canopy. They made love as the sun set over the ocean.

Hours later Chuck gets up as she covers the front of herself with his shirt. "Where are you going?"

"Add wood to the fire?"

"You know I'm still angry with you."

"Yes but we are communicating."

Sarah blushed as Chuck slipped on his boxers back on and added wood to the fire. As the fire picked up steam. Chuck tried to grab his shirt but Sarah held onto it.

"Now where are you going?"

"To get you something to eat?"

"Unless?"

"Unless, you still want to communicate?"

Sarah tossed his shirt as Chuck turn and laid over her. Hooking his arm under Sarah's leg, they became one. Sarah laced her fingers in his as they battled for ownership of kisses. Chuck and Sarah embraced and focussed on each other. Their movements, emotions, touch, expelled all their energy. Maybe it was the sea air or the romantic imagery of a desert island or the fact it was just them against this big world. This time it seem different. Seemed more sketched, like a fine painting, a fine wine, savouring each moment, almost to memory. Nestling in her neck Chuck placed his free hand under her lower back bringing her again and again as close as he physically could. Sarah ran her fingers up and down his spine feeling his back muscles flex. Then running them through his curly hair that was even curlier due to the humidity.

Totally spent, but totally gratified, Sarah caressed Chuck's muscular forearm as it draped over her body. His arm was becoming a light shade of brown from being in the sun, expect for some areas, he tanned quite nicely. Sarah turned her head slightly to kiss his forehead, as Chuck finally was sleeping. She knew that he hadn't been sleeping but made sure she got her rest. After what he had just done to her, he earned his rest.

When Sarah rolled over the coals had a slight tinged of red. Getting up she grabbed what she could find in the clothes department and headed out to the water.

Chuck had made a hook and tackle, so she grabbed it from where it was hanging, which gave them some fish yesterday so she hoped that tonight she would be as successful as he was. The sun was very low as Sarah dropped the line into the ocean. Not being in a rush she took her time but at the same time lost track of time. Tugging the line back and forth, two muscular arms slid in behind her. Kissing her neck "So any bites?"

"No."

Knowing that Sarah didn't need any help. He released his hold and stood back as she flung the line back out. In no time, Sarah felt a tug. Pulling up and back. Sarah pulled up a fish. Trying her luck again or because her lucky charm was standing there, she tossed the line back in. Again, another fish was hooked. Walking back towards the fire they enjoyed their bounty of fish and fresh fruit that they found on the island.

Chuck sat down near the fire after cleaning the fish the best he could. Wrapping it up in a large palm leaf, he laid the fish near the hot coals.

"This might beat my chicken pepperoni?"

Sarah sat down cutting up the fruit and the coconuts, laying them onto another palm leaf that Chuck gave her.

"Not sure, if it will beat your chicken pepperoni but it's a close second."

Chuck sat down as Sarah placed a piece of fruit between his lips. Grabbing another she placed another, this time Chuck grabbed her and held her facing him. The raw look in their eyes, they knew what they were going to do next. Chuck grabbed a loose branch and slid the fish over slightly to allow it to cook but not burn. Sarah pushed Chuck back and slipped his shirt off. Chuck laid back as Sarah took the lead. "All fair that we share."

"As you wish?"

"Princess Bride?" Sarah smiled. Chuck slid his hands alongside her face and brought her close.

The sun had called it a night and the sky opened up with millions of stars. Chuck sat with the blanket wrapped around them as Sarah sat in front of him. Sharing their fish and fruit, it ended up to be very romantic evening. As the sky grew darker, the moon shone in its glory. Chuck snuggled inside Sarah's neck, whispering sweet nothings in her ear. Sarah half laid with her legs bent at the knee. Despite them being stranded, Chuck had made their stay tolerable, so Sarah thought that she would give it a try. Getting up, Chuck watched and adored the view as Sarah walked, half skipped into the water. Chuck not as open about walking around in the nude, preferred to sit and watched. Sarah wasn't taking no for an answer. Chuck got up, wrapped the blanket around his waist, and moved closer to the water.

"Awe come on chicken. The water is so warm."

Chuck looked out, stood up, embraced his animal instincts of running wild, and naked, ran as fast as he could for whatever reason into the water.

Sarah swam over to Chuck and wrapped her arms and legs around Chuck. Chuck spun and moved slowly through the water. Allowing the waves to move them, they floated out just far enough that Chuck had to use his tippy toes to touch the ocean bottom.

"How you doing?"

Sarah laid her head on his shoulder. "Okay."

"You?"

"Better."

"I'm sorry."

Chuck held back a deep sigh, he knew she was but why was it so hard.

"I want you to know that, I appreciated everything you have done, especially the last few days. I'm sorry for being so harsh, but I'm not mad at you, I'm mad at myself and allowing my anger to overtake this stupid mission."

"You're doing what you think is right."

"But every time I think that I am doing something right for this mission I push you away?"

"Sarah I have known you for over four years and I know that your determination is what got you here today, made you the person you are but it doesn't define you because you are more than this job, you're a daughter, a sister, a co-worker, a girlfriend, my girlfriend, one day maybe something more?"

Sarah kissed Chuck.

"Something more?"

Chuck smiled. Releasing his hold, he swam away from Sarah. Thinking he was far enough away, he replied. "Maybe?"

Chuck blinked and Sarah had gone under the water. Not knowing where she went he swirled around looking to see if she popped up somewhere else. Looking around, Sarah silently swam in behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. Chuck grabbed her arms and turned around.

"You were saying?"

"I LOVE YOU!"

Chuck picked her up and carried her out of the water; Sarah grabbed the blanket on their way back to the canopy. Chuck laid her down as the water dripped from his hair onto her bare chest. Caressing her body with his hand, the loose droplets of water fell off her skin. Laying face to face, it didn't take them long to move things along. But they were in no rush and fell asleep attached in more ways than one.

NEXT MORNING

They slept late, followed by a late swim. The remaining of the day they agreed to just enjoy it. Even though they both were guilty and checked on the phone and wondered if, they would get off this island.

They knew that Casey would do whatever he could to bring them back, until then the island was their playground. Chuck and Sarah strolled the island and the ocean life that swam by. Walking hand in hand the sun offered them; no protection and Sarah noticed that Chuck was enjoying it a little too much. Convincing them to head back, they grabbed a few coconuts and some fruit and headed back for a late lunch. Chuck noticed on his way back a wild bird. Getting Sarah's attention, the two of them were able to corner the bird, their reward, and no fish. Chuck was ok with cleaning the fish but the de feathering of bird didn't sit right with the nerd. Shaking her head Sarah took the bird and in no time came back with the bird sitting up right with two twigs poked through it. Staking the twigs into the sand above the fire, the bird sizzled and started to cook. Chuck's childish smirk made Sarah laugh. He wasn't sure if should be grossed out or impressed. Sarah walked closer and point her finger into his chest, then dragged it across. "That's how we do that."

"U-h…h-h-u-u-h-h."

Sarah ran out from under the canopy as Chuck followed her. He chased her around the beach near their small camp, Sarah drew out his attempts to catch her. But thinking that he had finally caught her, she went into spy mode and flipped Chuck hard onto his back landing hard onto the sand. Crawling over to him, he laid there, with the wind knocked out of him. Sarah checking him over. "What hurts?"

Chuck in agony wanted her to feel guilty for a while. As she ran her hands over his body, he would moan with certain touches than others until he couldn't keep a straight face, unguarded he sat up and wrestled her so now she was on her back. She like this position much much better. Sliding her hands around to his back, she slid them further warranting a "Hi Oh!"

Chuck moved to his knees as he tried to rid them of their clothes. "Honey, I love that you're spontaneous and all and I am totally for this but I don't care in having sand in places that sand shouldn't be, so." "Yeah, your right." Chuck stood up as Sarah grabbed his arm and kissed him all the way back to the canopy. Luckily, it wasn't too far. Sarah slid her hand over his back side and removed his shorts, then crawled out of hers. Her sports bra was a bit more difficult to be spontaneous with but Chuck made it work. Falling to their knees Chuck kissed her darken skin in places he promised himself that he would never ignore again. Sarah bent her arms slightly as Chuck embraced his strong arms around her. Bracing his right arm down he laid her down as she wrapped her right leg over his left leg. Chuck nestled inside her neck as she caressed his left shoulder and arm. She closed her eyes and could easily live like this for some time.

TOYKO

The sun was still asleep when Casey tossed his coffee cup into the garbage bin before boarding the rescue ship. The team he had looking into the whereabouts of Chuck and Sarah finally got a few hits as operators answered several calls that were less than minute in length and were able to retrieve a mayday signal from whom they assumed was the male agent. Casey confirmed the voice, which as of three days ago they were alive. Informing Beckman, he sailed out hoping to rescue and bring them home today.

Island

Chuck and Sarah awoke still holding each other. It was the morning of day four and beside the romantic side of the whole thing; it started to wain on the two. Chuck sat up slightly as Sarah laid on her side. "Morning."

"Morning", bending down to kiss her.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

"I don't know, I mean I love this." Pointing to him and her. "But, this is the fourth day?" Looking out to the vast ocean. "What if?"

Sarah sat up and kissed his shoulder. "I don't know but I know that Casey wouldn't be sitting around and not do what he could to find us. Even Beckman wouldn't be sitting in DC and not want her best team to be found and back to work."

"Speaking of work." Sarah turned slightly, reaching for Chuck's shirt. Putting it on. Pausing slightly. "Don't know. But I do know Ryker is mine." Sarah got up and kissed Chuck on the top of the head and went to use the make shift bathroom.

Chuck got up and dove into the ocean, unintentionally drowning his thoughts. When Chuck had finished swimming, Sarah was standing on the shore.

"Wanna go for a walk?"

Chuck shook out the excess water in his hair and roughly flipped it back. Grabbing Sarah's hand they started their stroll. "Sorry for earlier."

Chuck looked ahead. "I've been saying that a lot lately."

Chuck looked at her. "Never noticed."

Sarah squeezed his arm. "Liar."

"Ok, maybe a few times."

"All I know is that I want to go home. With you and forget the last few months."

"But."

"There's always a but, isn't there."

"Yes, I learned that much from you and Casey."

"Ryker is mine. I don't know how, but as soon as we are off this island, he'll wish that he hadn't messed with me and the people I love."

"When we get off this island."

Those few words, were what they wanted to hear but the last few days, were magical, romantic, blue lagoonish as Chuck had to refer that movie, being on an island and all. Walking around the bend, they goofed around, tossing stones into the water, watching the sea life and finding interesting rocks that Sarah made Chuck carry and wanted to take back to LA as a keep sake. Chuck just laughed. "You know Sarah your beginning to be that real girl more and more."

Sarah just smiled. Walking along the shore, Chuck slipped and started walking through the sand. Picking up random shells, he found a cluster of them that even Sarah found interesting. Chuck took a hand full as Sarah picked and chose the ones she liked. Nearing the bottom of the pile, she came across one that was a spiral shape. The uniqueness she looked up at Chuck. "I like this one."

"Okay, we'll take it. You want to look at some more. Sarah nodded. Chuck grabbed another clump of sand and shells. As Sarah picked through that pile Chuck looked down at feet and saw the top of a shell that looked different than the rest. As Sarah took her bounty of shells, Chuck bent down and picked up one that looked like a small conch shell with a hollow opening. It looked like a ring. Looking up at Sarah, then the ring. He zoned off. "Chuck!"

Sarah tried to get his attention but had to walk back towards him. Sarah looked down into his face as he stared at something in his hand. A bit worried, Sarah opened up his hand to see what he was holding. To her surprise, she saw the shell shaped ring. Chuck looked up. "Before, this. This whole island experience is just that, an experience I want to tell you I love you, always have."

"This isn't?"

"Yes and no."

"What we have is special, it's real. You and me, us, under this under cover thing."

"It's real, always was." Chuck smiled.

"I don't want to lose my courage right now, cause it may not come back for a while."

"O-k."

"Sarah, I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

"And I you."

"Cool, but this isn't a real real proposal."

"Ok."

"But It's to get you ready for when I do and we are not focussed on saving the world."

"I'll be ready." A slight tear or two filled Sarah's eyes. Chuck dropped the rocks that Sarah had asked him to hold and placed his hand with hers. Because it wasn't a real real proposal he chose not to go down on one knee. Instead, he took her left hand and placed the shell onto her finger. Wrapping her arms around his neck, they embrace and kissed several times. Walking back Chuck picked up the rocks and headed back to the canopy. Chuck placed the rocks onto his socks along with the shells, for safe keeping. Sarah looked around their camp and found some thin palm branches that she grabbed and braided them into a rope and slid the one end into the twisted shell she found. Looking for Chuck, she saw him walking back with a few more coconuts. Waiting for him to come closer, he dropped the coconuts on the edge of the helicopter then turned to see Sarah on one knee. "Something wrong?"

"No silly, It's my turn."

Chuck waited.

"I love you. Always have always will. Chuck you're a gift, A gift that I never dreamed I could want or need and every day I will show you that you're the gift that I deserved. You make me the best person that I ever hoped to be and I want to spend, and learn and love the rest of my life with you."

Chuck was speechless. He had never heard Sarah express herself this way before. He knew she loved him but this was far beyond those moments in the past. Sarah fought back the tears that had fallen as she tied the shell around his neck. Tying it tight Chuck whispered. "Come her." As their lips met, all the times they fought each other and denied how they felt all melted away. Chuck laid her down on the blanket. "Honeymoon?" Chuck smiled. Sarah faced Chuck.

Chuck looked into her eyes as she caressed his face. The shell hung low and laid across her chest. As Chuck and Sarah moved things along, deep in each other's thoughts. Everything else didn't matter except all things stopped and they both looked at each other when they heard what sounded like noise coming from the ocean. Chuck got up, adjusted his shorts, and looked out towards the ocean. Sarah grabbed Chuck's shirt and slid in behind him. Out in the distance, Chuck and Sarah weren't sure of what they were seeing was real. Taking no chances, Sarah ran back to the helicopter and grabbed the flare gun. Aiming it towards the sky the orangey red flare hail its color lightening up the dusked filled sky. The image turned around and came closer. Chuck ran closer. Screaming as loud as he could.

Casey heard the faint screams and ran to the front of the ship. He motioned for them to turn starboard. Once in view, he saw to weary agents waving their hands and screaming. Casey jumped into a smaller boat and jetted closer to the islands shore. Jumping out Chuck ran and gave Casey a huge hug. Casey allowed Chuck to have a free pass. Sarah came closer and gave him as hug as well. Casey looked at their attire and grunted. "It looks like you guys need a change of clothes. And its good to see you both."

"It's good to see you too." Chuck quickly got dressed and let Casey know about the pilot and where he was buried. Casey radioed to the main ship and they brought another boat to transport the pilot back to Tokyo. Chuck walked back to see if Sarah was ready to go. Chuck walked under the canopy to see Sarah staring at their home for the last few days. Chuck walked closer and wrapped his arms around her. Sarah sunk her head back into his chest. "Sorry that we never got to…"

"We will."

Sarah turned to face Chuck. "You ready to go."

Sarah took one last look as Chuck turned to leave. Sarah grabbed his arm and brought his in for a deep, intense kiss. "There's more where that came from. Mr. Walker. "

"Can't wait. Mrs Bartowski."

Sarah headed to the water, but turned to talk to Casey. Chuck headed out carrying his sock and jumped into the boat. Casey waited as Sarah returned to the canopy. Returning she gave him back his phone. "When we get back."

Casey nodded and pushed the small boat back into the water as they boated back. Chuck helped Sarah up the ladder as the smaller boats were reattached. Chuck and Sarah donned life jackets and stood as their island faded from sight but not from their hearts. Casey came towards them. "We have a two hour boat ride back so you might as well get cozy."

The three headed inside as the cold wind was a bit too much.

The naval officers made them a cup of tea and gave them a bit to eat. They down a few bottles of cold water each before they turned to their tea. Chuck sat in the corner as Sarah sat leaning against him. Casey sat across them and informed them of the last four days. Sarah spoke for them and then the conversation turned to Ryker. Sarah sat up. "Ryker is mine."

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

"So where is he?"

"He was in custody but I got a call an hour ago saying that somehow he escaped."

Sarah stood up and walked out of the room. Casey got up. "No wait, Casey let her go."

"Aren't you?"

"Yes but, sit down."

Casey sat down as Chuck told Casey about one of the conversations they had on the island. "She's mad at herself?"

"Yes and I have decided to let her be just that. It's not you or me, its something she has to do herself."

"Well, get this. Kwan told me that the vial is locked up with a some DNA scanner attached to it and can only be opened by someone related to the La Flemmes' and on top of that, there are millions of dollars to whomever unlocks this scanner. Ryker thought that he would have had access to it but actually, Molly is the key and one rich young girl."

"So maybe we go with that?"

Chuck got up. "Go with what?"

Casey grunted and returned to sipping his coffee. Chuck headed up the stairs reaching the deck. Seeing Sarah leaning against the railing, he grabbed a blanket and covered her up. Seeing that Sarah was looking at her ring. He wrapped his arms around her.

"You ok?"

"Yeah, disappointed that we couldn't…."

"You will get him, we will get him."

Kissing her cheek, they stared out to the water.

HOTEL

Chuck ran a bath for Sarah as he went across the hall to Casey's to use his shower. Casey got in touch with Beckman and she informed them that they would debrief within the hour. Chuck headed down stairs to grab some food and coffee. Walking by the gift shop, he popped in on his way out of the hotel to grab some food, other than fish or bird. Coming across a small box that he thought would be ideal for their items from the island, be made his purchase then headed out looking for pizza, maybe burgers, maybe a roast beef sandwich.

Walking back in Sarah was just coming out of their room. Her hair still wet it instantly reminded him of the island. Walking up to him, she kissed him and admired the shell he wore around his neck. Grabbing her hand, he kissed the hand with the lovely shell shaped ring on it. Grabbing the assortment of items, they were interrupted when Casey knocked and entered with his lab top. Chuck closed the bags hoping to eat as soon as possible; he walked over to Beckman on the screen.

"Good evening team."

"Good morning General."

"I was so happy to hear from the Major. You all got checked out."

"Yes General, a bit dehydrated and a bit sunburn but we are both ok." Sarah looked at Chuck then back at the General.

"I won't take up much of your time but we need to move on finding Ryker."

"Yes General, and I think that we smoke him out. We now know that Ryker needs a relative to open the scanner in order to get the vial and along with that he can get the millions."

Sarah was new to this info was ok with the plan.

"I agree, this mission hasn't been a pleasant one for any of us. I think that if we set a trap, I know he will take the bait and that is where we will finally put an end to this mission."

"Okay team, we will go with that. Let me know what your plans are and I'll make the necessary arrangements."

"Yes, General."

"Well get a good sleep and we will talk later."

The screen went dark as Casey closed the laptop and headed towards the door. "Aren't you going to stay, we have plenty?"

"Naw. Enjoy your last night here. We will meet for lunch. My treat."

Chuck and Sarah both looked at each other. "Also nice ring there Walker."

Casey smiled then closed the door.

"You don't think."

"Naw, he doesn't think that we ….."

Sarah laughed then headed to the bar and opened the bag of burgers and fries as well as the pizza. Talking a drink from her soda, she grabbed her items and pulled a chair out. Chuck followed.

Chuck and Sarah sat on the couch and decided to call home. After talking to his sister, Awesome and of course Morgan and Molly, and Sarah doing the same he gave the phone to Sarah to talk to her mom. Chuck kissed her then left to grab something more to eat.

Sarah talked to her mom for over an hour and said good night, as she said goodbye she noticed the box. Walking back into the bedroom with the box she saw Chuck still eating and watching TV. Grabbing the last piece from the box, she joined him. "Did you have a good talk?"

"Yeah, I missed not being able to talk to my mom."

"Well maybe this is your time to change that?"

Chuck left the room with the pizza box then returned, as Sarah was placing the items they took from the island into the box. Sarah looked up. "I assume that this box is for these."

Chuck sat down and laid parallel to Sarah and the box. One by one, Sarah placed the items into the box then remembered one more thing. Running into the bathroom, she came back and moved beside Chuck with the box between them. Chuck turned to see what looked like a photo. He recognized it and Sarah told him she had taken a few pictures of the island and the canopy. Chuck looked over to her. "When?"

"When we were leaving."

Chuck smiled then kissed Sarah. Chuck reached up and was about to put his shell in the box when Sarah brought his hand down. "Not yet."

Chuck leaned in as they kissed, then grabbed the box and the lid and moved it to the nightstand. Turning back towards Sarah, Sarah laid back as Chuck moved closer to her. Sarah then moved to straddle Chuck as he grabbed her shirt and took it off with added kisses. Reaching for her bra, Sarah reached for his shirt and at the same time both items fell to the floor. Chuck looked down as Sarah opened his jeans then removed them her way. Making out with just their bottoms on, they drew it out as long as they could before they both slid under the covers.

Chuck and Sarah got to their fake 'honeymoon'. Laying in each other's arms, they knew they needed sleep but their minds were on what next few days would bring. Sarah told Chuck that she had promised Molly that they would be home by the end of next week. Chuck took Sarah into his arms. Holding her tight. "Well we will make sure that you keep that promise."

Noon the next day

Casey met them downstairs and there was no word on Ryker, but that didn't stop Sarah. While they ate Sarah came up with a plan that would smoke out Ryker. Both Casey and Chuck liked how it sounded.

"When do we leave?"

"As soon as we can get a flight."

"Ok, I'll let Beckman know."

Casey left with the bill as he promised to buy lunch. Chuck and Sarah sat finishing their meal. "Is this going to work?"

"They say, when the cats away the mice will play?"

"Then we set the biggest trap we possibly can. He may have taught me but I have mastered the skill."

"Ok. Ms Walker."

"No it's Mrs. Bartowski."

Chuck laughed.

Heading back up they packed their gear and Sarah placed the shell ring inside the box, along with Chucks shell necklace. Placing them into her suitcase, she rolled it out by the door.

By late evening, they were sitting at the airport waiting for their flight to Vancouver.